Strong Faith: What does it look like?
The prophet Habakkuk had strong faith. At least I should say, eventually, he did. And a portion of his journey of faith was modeled for us in three impactful chapters in the Bible. But his strong faith didn’t come easy. In fact, he undoubtedly spent many hours that led to numerous years before his weak faith became strong faith. Most Christians, desire to go on that same journey, going from weak faith to strong faith. But how does that happen? We see numerous examples of it spread throughout the Bible. The Apostle Peter is one person that comes to mind.
In this brief article, I’ll draw attention to a lesser-known character–the prophet Habakkuk. It turns out this his faith became the basis for two of the most earthshaking spiritual movements of the past two thousand years.
It moved the Apostle Paul and lit a fire in the effort to spread the Gospel around the world.
And it stirred the thoughts of Martin Luther when he gained the courage to stand against established religious tradition. That sparked the reformation leading to all of the protestant denominations we have today. Which also led to another Gospel outreach around the world.
The theology of both of these men was shaken and remade based upon a simple line taken from the book of Habakkuk.
Here’s the verse that led to those spiritual revolutions.
Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
In the short book that bears his name, we can read about the life issues the prophet struggled with. His weak faith was on full display in the first two chapters of the book. And if you look closely enough you might see a semblance of your own faith in Habakkuk.
All of us begin our Christian walk with little to no faith. But that’s the best place to start as we see in this parable told by Jesus. (See here.)
Tribulation Saints will need the same faith as Habakkuk
There is an uncomfortable truth that many Christians are waking up to. It’s a truth that should have been taught in churches around the world for the past one hundred years. But it wasn’t. And now, heavy consequences will unfold because an obvious truth was left out of many church sermons.
The church will enter the coming tribulation. For much of the past century, many teachers, pastors, authors, and seminaries taught Christians they shouldn’t worry about the tribulation. It was said countless times, “Christians don’t have to worry about the tribulation.” Or, “We don’t have to worry about the trumpets and bowls and those terrifying events.” “We won’t be here,” it was said.
But the Bible does not teach that Christians will escape the tribulation. In fact, the Word of God gives ample warning in which Christians are encouraged to prepare for trials and difficult times.
See some articles in which I have expounded on this topic.
The great tribulation. Worse than you can imagine.
Read the sobering warning from a prominent early church scholar.
Persecution of Christians is increasing around the world. Is it the prelude to the tribulation?
Below see a sample of the scores of verses that encourage Christians to expect and prepare for difficult trials.
John 16:33 Strong faith to overcome the world
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
2 Thessalonians 1:4 Strong faith to endure trials
Therefore, among God’s churches, we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.
1 Peter 1:6 Strong faith that leads to rejoicing
In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
Acts 14:22
Strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.
And knowing this fact, the Lord Jesus asked an open-ended question. He wondered about the faith of mankind when he returned. Jesus knew the truth of what the future would hold. But the question has been laid out in the open for nearly two thousand years. “Will He find faith?” Or we could ask, “Will anyone have a strong faith?”
I can answer that. “Yes!”
There will be many who have the faith of Habakkuk in the last days. But it won’t come easy, and it will come through trials. So, if you hope to have the faith of Habakkuk, then don’t fear trials. Don’t avoid them. And don’t ask God to take them away. Ask the Lord to give you the strength to endure them.
Luke 18:8
“I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”
The Bible Project: Habakkuk
And don’t miss some related articles from Habakkuk
God gave a stunning reply when the prophet asked for help.
The Lord told Habakkuk to write the vision and make it clear.
The prophet’s strong faith came through trials.
Read the verses below. This is what strong faith looks like.
Habakkuk 3:17
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Habakkuk 3:18
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Let me know what you think.